Written by Michel Outridge
CHIEF Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle yesterday underscored the successes of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Fire Prevention Week which was held last week as the list of activities was announced to mark the event and was well received in all regions.
He said that they recorded success in all their activities held in all regions that the GFS operates through outreaches, visits, pamphlet distribution, demonstrations and lectures at schools.
Gentle added that they had four fire safety exhibitions which were held at the

Guyana National Stadium, Uitvlugt, National park, Lusignan and in front of Fogarty’s building on Water Street.
He pointed out that the response to the events were well received and attended owing to the dedication of the staff.
The Chief Fire Officer noted that they also visited all the schools in Bartica and the Pomeroon River and they were assisted and transported by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard.
Gentle told this publication that following the week of activities last week to observe GFS Fire Prevention Week 2013 under the theme: “Be alert, be committed, make fire safety your priority” they will remain alert in enlightening persons about the importance of fire safety.
To date the Guyana Fire Service has responded to one thousand, three hundred and nine (1309) fire calls, where ninety- four (94) buildings were destroyed and nineteen (19) others were severely damaged by fire.
Three schools were affected by fire for the year – one was completely destroyed and another severely damaged.
Of the total number of fires for the year, 44 were the result of acts of arson, resulting from domestic disputes, property disputes or wanton destruction to property, through acts of criminality and other nefarious acts. Six hundred and twenty nine (629) were the result of rubbish or vegetation fires. Additionally, twelve (12) precious lives were lost – of that number four were children. Two hundred and ninety seven (297) persons were left homeless.
The causes of most of these fires stemmed from unsafe practices such as carelessness, leaving children unattended, unsafe use and stealing of electricity and acts of arson.